Katrina Rosales
Applying perfume is an art and a science. The right application technique can make your favourite scent last longer and smell better. The key is to apply perfume to your pulse points, which are areas where your veins sit closest to your skin, and you can feel your pulse. These include the inside of your wrists, inner elbows, below your belly button, behind your earlobes, and the back of your knees. You can spritz or dab perfume on these points, but don't rub it in as this can alter the scent and reduce its longevity. Applying perfume after a warm shower, when your skin is clean and slightly warm, can also help the fragrance absorb better. Moisturising your skin first with an unscented lotion can also help the scent last longer.
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What You'll Learn
- Pulse points: wrists, elbows, neck, behind ears, belly button, knees
- Moisturise first: use unscented lotion to make scent last longer
- Don't rub: rubbing can break the molecular bond in the fragrance
- Spray on clothes: spritz lightly from a distance to avoid stains
- Storage: don't store in the bathroom where steam can alter the scent
Pulse points: wrists, elbows, neck, behind ears, belly button, knees
The wrists, elbows, neck, behind the ears, belly button, and knees are all pulse points—areas of the body where the veins flow close to the skin, emitting heat and enhancing the fragrance's longevity. Here are some tips on how to apply your favourite scent to these pulse points:
Wrists
The wrists are a common place to apply perfume. Avoid rubbing your wrists together, as this can break down the top notes of the perfume and affect how the scent develops on your skin. Instead, gently dab the perfume onto your skin. You can then use your wrists to create fragrance blends before touching your neck, hair, and other pulse points.
Elbows
The inside of the elbows is a natural pulse point that can help spread your scent around, especially if you're wearing sleeves. The natural movement of your arms will help the fragrance diffuse throughout the day. Spraying perfume on the crook of your elbows in the summer can also allow for a gentle exhalation without excess.
Neck
The neck is another popular pulse point, with many dips for the fragrance to rest and interact with your skin. Aim for areas where you can feel your pulse, such as just under your ear. You can also spritz your collarbone, which is close to the neck.
Behind Ears
Applying perfume behind the ears is a ritualistic act that ensures the scent winds up in your hair, contributing to its range and longevity. This is especially effective if you plan on hugging someone or spending time close to others.
Belly Button
Although it may seem unusual, the belly button is a pulse point that radiates heat and enhances your fragrance. Apply a small amount of perfume to this area if you're wearing a midriff-baring crop top or bikini.
Knees
The back of the knees is a pulse point that retains heat and helps maintain the fragrance's trail. Throughout the day, the scent will kick up as you move around, especially if you're wearing a dress or shorts. Applying perfume to the knees in the summer can also be pleasant as they are often exposed.
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Moisturise first: use unscented lotion to make scent last longer
Moisturising your skin before applying perfume is a great way to make your scent last longer. According to experts, dry skin will not hold onto your fragrance as long as moisturised skin will. Therefore, it is important to moisturise your skin before applying perfume.
The best time to apply perfume is right after a shower when your skin is dried off but still warm. This is because perfume is able to absorb better into the skin when it is warm and the pores are open. However, do not apply perfume to wet skin as it will rub off when you dry yourself.
When moisturising before applying perfume, it is important to use an unscented lotion or a light coat of Vaseline (petroleum jelly). This is because fragrance interacts with fabrics differently than skin, so it is best to avoid scented lotions as they may interfere with your perfume.
After moisturising, you can apply perfume to your pulse points. These are areas where your veins sit closest to your skin, so you can literally feel your pulse. Pulse points include the inside of your wrists, inner elbows, below your belly button, behind your earlobes, the nape of your neck, and the back of your knees. These warm spots on your body emit extra body heat, which helps to naturally diffuse your scent.
By moisturising first with an unscented lotion, you can make your perfume scent last longer and avoid having to reapply it throughout the day.
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Don't rub: rubbing can break the molecular bond in the fragrance
Applying EDP Perfume: Avoid Rubbing to Preserve the Fragrance's Integrity
When applying Eau de Parfum (EDP), it's essential to remember that rubbing the wrists together after spraying can negatively impact the scent's performance and longevity. Here's why you should avoid rubbing and explore alternative methods to ensure your fragrance lasts throughout the day.
The Science Behind Fragrance Application
The composition of a perfume is intricate, often featuring a combination of top notes, middle or heart notes, and base notes. Top notes are delicate and light, dissipating quickly, while base notes are heavier molecules that linger for more extended periods. When you rub your wrists together after spraying perfume, you risk disrupting these carefully crafted layers. The friction generated by the rubbing action can break down the delicate top notes, altering the scent's intended character and performance.
Preserving the Integrity of the Scent
To ensure your EDP fragrance remains true to its original composition, it's best to avoid rubbing it into the skin. Instead, focus on pulse points, which are areas where your veins sit closest to the skin, emitting extra body heat to diffuse the scent effectively. Common pulse points include the wrists, inner elbows, below the belly button, behind the earlobes, and the back of the knees. Simply spritz or dab the perfume on these areas, allowing it to absorb naturally into the skin.
Alternative Application Techniques
In addition to avoiding rubbing, there are several other techniques to enhance the longevity and enjoyment of your EDP perfume:
- Moisturize First: Applying a light coat of unscented body lotion or petroleum jelly before spraying your perfume can help extend its wear. The moisturizers provide a base for the perfume oils to grasp onto, allowing the scent to linger for a more extended period.
- Apply to Clothing: Fragrance tends to last longer on fabric. Spritzing your perfume onto your clothes or applying it to their inner linings can create a subtle wafting effect as you move throughout the day. However, be cautious to avoid staining or discolouring delicate or light-coloured fabrics.
- Storage Matters: Store your perfume in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources like steamy bathrooms. Oxygen is the "natural enemy of perfume," according to Kurkdjian, as it can slowly break down the scent's molecules, altering its composition over time.
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Spray on clothes: spritz lightly from a distance to avoid stains
While applying perfume directly to the skin is recommended, there are times when it may be better to spritz it onto your clothes. For instance, if you have sensitive skin, spraying perfume on your clothes is the best way to enjoy the fragrance without causing irritation.
When applying perfume to clothes, it is important to spritz lightly from a distance to avoid stains. Perfume contains alcohol, which can cause discolouration and leave stains on fabrics, especially those with a delicate or pale colour. To be safe, it is best to test the perfume on a small area of the fabric first.
The type of fabric also matters. Synthetic materials can alter the scent of the perfume, so it is recommended to only spray natural fabrics. Silk, for example, can be easily stained by perfume oils, so it is best to avoid spraying perfume on silk clothing. On the other hand, fabrics like wool or cotton can absorb and retain the perfume, allowing the scent to be released gradually as you move throughout the day.
If you are going to spray your perfume on your clothes, it is generally recommended to do so before you put them on. This allows you to mist the fabric evenly and avoid staining by accidentally spraying too much in one area. You can also try walking into a cloud of the fragrance, but this method may waste more perfume and may not be safe for traditional fragrances that contain pollutants.
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Storage: don't store in the bathroom where steam can alter the scent
Storing perfume in the bathroom is not recommended. Water, humidity, and temperature changes can alter a perfume's composition and shorten its shelf life. Steam from daily showers can cause water damage to the perfume bottle and its contents. Humidity can also affect the perfume's composition, as the moisture in the air can interact with the perfume's ingredients, causing it to spoil or change scent.
In addition, the temperature fluctuations in bathrooms due to hot showers can impact the perfume's longevity. Drastic temperature changes can cause the perfume's ingredients to separate or degrade, reducing its shelf life.
It is best to store perfume in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. A bedroom dresser or vanity is a suitable storage location, as long as it is not in direct sunlight. Keeping the perfume in its original box can also help protect it from light exposure, which can cause the perfume to spoil or change colour.
Additionally, it is important to keep perfume away from open flames or heat sources, as the alcohol in the perfume is flammable.
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Frequently asked questions
First, moisturize your skin with an unscented or lightly scented lotion. Then, spritz the perfume from 6 to 8 inches away, focusing on your pulse points (wrists, inner elbows, neck, behind the ears, and belly button). Avoid rubbing the perfume into your skin, as this can alter its scent.
Spritz a fine mist of perfume onto your hair using a fine-toothed comb or your fingers. Hair holds fragrance exceptionally well and will leave a subtle trail of scent as you move.
Hold the perfume bottle about 12 inches away from your clothes and spritz a gentle mist. Be cautious, as certain fabrics may be sensitive to fragrance and always test on a small area first.
The best time to apply EDP perfume is after a warm bath or shower when your skin is dried off but still warm. This allows the perfume to absorb better into the skin.
Less is more when it comes to perfume application. Start with one or two spritzes and gradually build up if needed. Over-application can lead to an overpowering aroma.
